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This is what it’s like to control the HomePod

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The HomePod was a no-show in 2017.
HomePod's launch could be right around the corner.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s HomePod speaker has once again leaked new information about its self ahead of its launch, including how you’ll manage its settings once you finally get one.

Screenshots from HomePod testers in France have leaked out online showing the different settings options you’ll be able to choose from in the HomePod iOS app.

Top 10 tips for swimming with Apple Watch

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The Apple Watch touchscreen is disabled in waterproof mode, so how do you finish your workout?
How to use your Apple Watch in the swimming pool when you’re soaking.
Photo: Graham Bower/Cult of Mac

Your Apple Watch loves getting wet (provided you own a Series 2 or 3). But when you start a swimming workout, the waterproof mode kicks in automatically, which means the Apple Watch touchscreen stops working. So how are you supposed to use it?

Swimming with Apple Watch certainly takes a bit of getting used to. But if you check out our top 10 tips before you dive in, you’ll discover your smartwatch is almost as indispensable in the pool as your Speedo. Almost.

Another Wall Street analyst expresses doubts about Apple in 2018

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Apple waives developer fees for nonprofits, others in 8 additional countries
Some investors are concerned about iPhone numbers.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Another Wall Street analyst has downgraded Apple shares, based on fears that iPhone demand is getting weaker. Atlantic Equities has lowered its rating on Apple from “overweight” to “neutral” on account of their predictions that Apple will be reporting disappointing sales for the March quarter.

“[We see] signs that iPhone demand is starting to soften, limited visibility into the potential for future iPhone cycles and emerging challenges to the smartphone’s dominance at the centre of consumer technology,” the firm wrote in a note to clients.

Apple will upgrade some iPhone 6 Plus units in need of repair

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iPhone 6 Plus
You may be in for a treat when you visit the Genius Bar.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

If you have an iPhone 6 Plus in need of replacement, you could be in line for an upgrade to iPhone 6s Plus. An internal document distributed to Apple Authorized Service Providers gives permission for units to be upgraded until the end of March, though no reason is given.

Yes, you’ll be able to mute ‘always listening’ HomePod

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HomePod
Because of course you will.
Photo: Apple

New icons uncovered in the latest iOS 11.2.5 developer build confirm that, yes, HomePod owners will be able to disable the microphone on Apple’s smart speaker should so they wish to do so.

Given Apple’s privacy-conscious policies, and the fact that rival speakers made by Amazon and Google allow the same to be done, it’s no surprise that Apple would make that an option on HomePod. Still, it could help ease fears among customers concerned about the risk of housing an “always listening” speaker in their homes.

Tim Cook will return to Duke for 2018 commencement address

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Tim Cook
Never let a commencement address get in the way of some iPhone X advertising!
Photo: Duke University

Tim Cook will give the commencement address for Duke University’s graduating class on May 13, 2018.

Cook is a 1988 MBA graduate of Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, as well as a member of the university’s Board of Trustees. Cook has previously given successful, inspirational and funny commencement addresses at MIT, Auburn University (which he attended before Duke), and George Washington University.

Check out the Duke University announcement video, featuring a whole lot of animojis, below.

Hearst family ranch provides solar power to Apple Park

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Apple leases new offices near to Apple Park
Apple Park not only looks spectacular, it's environmentally friendly too.
Photo: Duncan Sinfield

California’s historic Hearst cattle ranch is being used as a hybrid solar farm to provide power for Apple — partly thanks to Steve Jobs.

The Hearst ranch takes up 150,000 acres, split across two properties, on the border of San Luis Obispo County in central California. The land has been used for raising cattle since 1865, but are now also being used as the home of a 2,900-acre solar farm, which is providing energy to power the Apple Park campus.

Create and lead a thriving society in Civilization VI [Deals]

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Civilization VI is a worthy addition to the legacy of the classic turn-based strategy game.
Civilization VI is a worthy addition to the legacy of the classic turn-based strategy game.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Most fans of computer gaming will be familiar with the epic Civilization series. It’s a turn-based strategy game that challenges players to build and sustain a thriving global society. Spanning from the beginnings of human history all the way to the deep future, it’s a complex, satisfying game. If that doesn’t sound fun, trust us: it is.

How Apple’s going to spend its massive fortune, this week on The CultCast

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CultCast Tim Cook money
Apple's bringing home its massive fortune.
Photo: Business Insider

This week on a very spicy edition of The CultCast: Tim Cook is thrilled with the new U.S. tax overhaul, and has some exciting plans to spend Apple’s massive fortune. Plus: Forget other smart speakers — we’ll tell you why we’re now even more excited for HomePod. And stick around for our favorite movies, shows and sausages in an all-new, very weird “What We’re Into!”

Our thanks to Squarespace for supporting this episode. It’s simple to accept Apple Pay and sell your wares with your very own Squarespace.com website. Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off any hosting plan.

Cult of Mac Magazine: Apple says it will add $350 billion to U.S. economy and more!

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cover
Apple says it will add over 20,000 new jobs in the next five years by hiring for new jobs at its existing campuses and the new one.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple’s big tax break is about to unleash an avalanche of spending from the iPhone-maker. In a public statement earlier this week, Apple revealed its plans to contribute $350 billion to the U.S. economy over the next five years now that the fee for repatriating its mountain of overseas cash has been significantly lowered.

In this week’s issue, you’ll find that story and more. Tim Cook has revealed that a future iOS 11 update will let users disable their iPhone’s throttling feature. Learn how to get the best battery life from your MacBook. It’s the last week to get your preorders in for Juuk’s new three-think Velo Apple Watch band! Get your free subscription to Cult of Mac Magazine from iTunes. Or read on for this week’s top stories.

Apple raids Silicon Valley Data Science for new hires

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Apple leases new offices near to Apple Park
Apple's building a huge team of data scientists.
Photo: Duncan Sinfield

Apple’s data team just got a big talent boost after the company raided a local Silicon Valley consultant firm in hiring spree of data scientists.

Some of Silicon Valley Data Science’s key employees have reportedly joined Apple, giving the company more experts that can analyze data to make products even better.

Week’s best Apple deals: Save big on refurbished iPhones

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You know you want a red iPhone. And now you can save with a refurbished one! Or choose from other refurbished iPhones.
You know you want a red iPhone. And now you can save with a refurbished one!
Photos: Apple

If you need a new phone, but not necessarily a brand new one, you can save some cash by going with a refurb. This week, we found a selection of refurbished iPhones — in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors (including that super-cool red iPhone 7).

And they’re all at wallet-pleasing prices.

Apple is Fortune‘s most admired company for 11th year running

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Apple is worth more than the entire US energy sector combined
Apple's had quite a year!
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple has topped Fortune’s annual list of the world’s admired companies for a record eleventh year in a row.

Other tech companies in the top 10 include Amazon (which retained its no. 2 position), Alphabet (at no. 3), and Microsoft (no. 7). Berkshire Hathaway, Starbucks, Disney, Southwest Airlines, FedEx, and JPMorgan Chase & Co. rounded off the rest of the list.